For the first one they traveled to W. Virginia, running 26.2 miles of hilly terrain through several towns and along the Appalachian Trail. Christopher was inspired by his Step Dad, Eric Thompson who last year at 39 woke up one morning and decided he wanted to run a marathon. Eric chose the Marine Corps Marathon as his first to run because he is a decorated Marine Corp Combat Veteran. Eric did complete his last year and when Christopher said he wanted to do it with him this year Eric said they could! They signed up for the same marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon in DC but while training they got impatient and signed up for the Freedom Run in WV. Christopher finished in 4 hours 46 minutes and Eric finished in 4 hours 4 minutes.
They loved it and then they signed up for the Baltimore Running Festival Marathon on October 16th where Eric was selected for the team "Men of a Certain Age" a TV show on TNT. Christopher cut out about an hour from his original time finishing that run in 3hours and 50 minutes.
The next one was the original one they signed up for, the MC Marathon on October 31st. This one they decided to run together, which proved to be rather difficult because of the number of runners on the road. Crossing at the same time they finished at 4 hours and 12 minutes.
The final run for them within the 42 days was in Richmond on November 14th. Talk about running maniac's. Eric also ran the JFK 50 mile run on November 21st. This run was also through the Appalachian Trail and larger rockier mountains. Eric's goal was to finish and that he did, he ran for 11 1/2 hours. Just think if you had woken up this morning and decided, to go out for a run and then not stop until dinner time. Not bad for a 40 and 16 year old you say? Maybe their Tae Kwon Do training to persevere helped them along!
Eric & his wife Gina owns Kickers Sport Tae Kwon Do Center in Salisbury where their whole family, Son's Christopher and Michael and daughter Ashley are Instructors. On December 4th, Christopher tested for his 3rd degree, and Ashley and Michael tested for their 2nd degree black belts as well. In addition to the whole family being Black Belts, they have also started running. Michael who is 10 just ran his first 5k and finished in 24:04. Lilly who is only 2 just finished her 1st 1 mile race in less than 20 minutes with help from Mom and Ashley (15) wants to run a marathon next year.
Eric believes in maintaining good health and fitness while doing activities that the whole family can enjoy together.
Way to go Master Eric
ReplyDeleteAwesome job!!! Congratulations to Reconciled also for the recording contract.
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